Congratulations with Secret Garden

When I first joined Stampin' Up, I certainly couldn't have imagined that I might build a team and help others to start their own businesses too. But, as I began to learn about how Stampin' Up worked, I became enthusiastic about sharing my experience with others and that's when I started my fabulous Inkredibles group. I love getting to know my team and working out how best to support them - whether they want to earn some money or simply enjoy Stampin' Up as a hobby. I'm always delighted when they reach a milestone so I thoroughly enjoyed making today's project for the lovely Jan to celebrate her promotion just before Christmas. Come and see:

It's always lovely to get a handmade something through the post, and a promotion is the perfect excuse to send a card and little gift to say congratulations!

The card was made with Stampin' Up's beautiful Secret Garden set, stamped onto Core'dinations card stock to give a nice textured look. This stamp set has coordinating dies so that you can cut the elements out neatly without scissors if you choose.

I cut out one of the flowers to embellish the scored sentiment banner on this card. I've used the beautiful Express Yourself hostess set again as I think it has to be my favourite sentiment set of the moment! And can you see the piercing round the edge of the panel? I always think a pierced frame adds a nice bit of subtle detail and a neat finish and it's so easy to do with the Essentials piercing templates.

I was really pleased with this little box, made to house one of my team bracelets and a charm. The belly band was made out of Colour Collection designer paper - these amazing stacks come in ALL the Stampin' Up colours and are so useful! The box was tied up with 1/8" taffeta ribbon with two branches from the 2 step bird punch tucked into it, and embellished with one of the tiny flower punches from the Itty Bitty punch pack.

• There's always room for more members in my team and I'd love to welcome you aboard. Click here for more details or give me a ring on 01280 820593 for a no-pressure chat.

Here's what you'll need to make this project

Stamps: Secret Garden, Express Yourself

Ink: Early Espresso

Card stock: Very Vanilla smooth and core'dinations, scraps of Garden Green and Rich Razzleberry for  box embellishments

Other: Secret Garden framelits, Big Shot, 2 step bird punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Basic pearls, Colour Collection designer paper (regals), Rich Razzleberry 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Essentials piercing templates mat and tool, Simply Scored, stamp-a-majig

You can order from my online shop any time, day or night,

but if you have any queries, or prefer to speak to me, I'm always happy to help.

You can contact me by email or phone on 01280 820593.

I'd invited all my children to see the Desolation of Smaug at the cinema yesterday but, since my eldest son got a better offer (!) and my daughter ended up working instead, my youngest son turned out to be my sole companion. He suggested that we watch Frozen instead as we both love a good animation. Sadly it turned out to be a pretty mediocre film in terms of plot and character but it really was a visual treat.  The only problem was that the theatre was a bit on the nippy side and I'd left my coat in the car so all the ice and snow was probably the last thing I needed!

See you tomorrow when I'll have another special gift to show you!